We've All Heard Often Enough

When you factor in the ongoing savings and the added value to your home, green is the best way to go. Upgrading Kitchen/Laundry Appliances. Depending on the program, you could receive a credit of up to $450 on your electric bill to offset the original purchase and installation costs, and then an ongoing energy credit when you sign up for special programs, as well as federal and state tax credits and rebates that can total as much as $2,500. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to $600 a year in energy costs by replacing your current appliances with Energy Star rated appliances. Take a look at what it will cost you to choose green in some of these popular home renovations:Repainting/Re-siding. If you're not ready to make the plunge to solar, there are low energy electric and gas alternatives.If you're planning to add a pool or spa to your property, be sure you include an installed cover that is easy to use. The greatest water loss from pools and spas is through evaporation, so an installed, convenient and easy to use cover can help reduce your water use. Other options include using reclaimed wood for floors and building, often available at less than the cost of new wood. You can take bigger steps toward living a greener life when you're ready to make major renovations to your home. While there's a general belief that choosing greener products and alternatives will cost you more money, that's not always true.. Added bonus - you'll reduce the wear and tear on your clothes from over-drying. In addition, the Florida Green Home Standard from the Florida Green Building Association suggests that you install a sanitation system that reduces the need for chlorine and other chemicals. There are a lot of things that you can do on a shoestring budget (see my article from last week for some ideas) that don't require any major investment of either time or energy. In addition, many Florida utility companies offer incentive programs to encourage the use of solar hot water heaters. Savings: Hundreds in energy savings and thousands of gallons of water Landscaping and Outdoors. Additional Cost: comparable to conventional fixturesSavings: Thousands of gallons of water annually New roof or roof repairs. Replacing Hot Water HeaterWhen it's time to replace your hot water heater, there are a number of energy-friendly alternatives to traditional hot water tank heaters.Going to repaint or reside your house? Choose a light color.Additional cost: depends on appliances and styles chosen Savings: Up to $600 annually Buying a new clothes dryer? One that uses a sensor to time drying rather than a timer can save you up to 15% in energy costs by reducing the amount of time your dryer runs. One of the biggest reasons - the notion that it's more expensive to use sustainable materials and consider environmental issues. Check with salvage companies nearby to find out what's available. Bamboo floors are one alternative, though some question any product that has to be shipped from across the world. Xeriscaping can save you the cost of a sprinkler system since native plants are designed to flourish on Nature's sprinkling with no assistance from manmade irrigation. Solar hot water heaters can reduce your utility costs by $150-$500 a year, depending on whether you use them as a complement to regular heaters or on their own. If you choose deciduous trees, you'll have shade in the summer months and sunlight during the winter months. Bathroom RenovationsMultiple shower heads at different levels may be temptingly luxurious, but you get points as a greener home if.